A University Don, Professor Olatunde Babawale, has advocated the need for governments at all levels in Nigeria, to allocate more funds to education, stating that the move would enhance the socio-economic development of the country, and reduce cases of emigration of its citizens to other countries.
Babawale, a professor in the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, made the statement in a lecture delivered at the occasion marking the 60th anniversary of former Adeyemi College of Education (now Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo), which held recently in the institution.
Speaking on “Reflections on the “Japa” syndrome and the Nigerian Educational system”, the University scholar, who currently holds the position of Provost, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), an arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), described “Japa” as a form of migration, which is not restricted to Nigeria but occurs globally.
He expressed serious concerns on what he described as the negative effects, the Japa syndrome has had on the country, especially on the issue relating to brain drain, which he said, led the country to experience “heamorrhage” in terms of depletion of the country’s skilled manpower, and talented individuals, whose presence he said, could have helped the country, “achieving its mission as leader of Africa”.
Prof. Babatunde further decried the situation, while reeling out figures which shows that between year 2016-2018, “9000 medical doctors moved out of Nigeria to the United State of Nigeria”, stating that the resultant effect, led to fewer doctors left to treat large numbers of people.
In addition, the Professor of Political Science, explained that the situation is further compounded, by the result of a survey carried out in the country which indicated that 73 percent of Nigerians, and 89 percent of its students, have indicated intentions to leave the country.
Describing the situation as worrisome, the University scholar, urged government to pay more attention, to the development of the country’s education sector, by tackling problem of inadequate infrastructure, curriculum deficiency, shortage of qualified teachers, high cost of school fees (particularly in private schools) as well as unconducive teaching and learning environment and disconnection existing between educational qualifications, and access to employment opportunities.
He further spoke on the economic challenges facing the nation, as well as the depletion of its talents and skill professionals, stating that, for Nigeria to achieve desired economic development, “the Japa syndrome must stop”.
The ACAN Provost, therefore, urged the government at all levels, to embrace cost-cutting strategies in its expenditure, by spending less on activities that may not have direct positive effects on the citizens, but spend more on education, so as to enable problem associating with low quality education, and disparity existing between the quality of education in urban and rural areas, to be resolved.
As a panacea towards addressing the problems, Prof. Babawale advocated for a review and rejigging of the country’s school curricula, integration of education and culture, promotion of technical education and addressing the problem of infrastructural deficiency.
In addition, he harped on the need for all stakeholders in the education sector, to partner together in the fight for the eradication of sexual harassment, sex for grade and any other social vices, that could have negative impact on the nation’s educational system.
Prof. Babawale, also emphasized the use of indigenous languages in the writing of scientific books. He equally enjoined University Management to ensure that admission placement into their Institutions is done by considering their carrying capacity.
As a way of returning the country’s educational systems to its pride of place, the renowned University scholar, appealed to all stakeholders to partner together in the effort at revatilizing of the education sector, stating that the development, would make Nigeria better andthe “Japa syndrome unattractive.
The event which held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium on the University was graced by important personalities from all walks of life.
They include the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor AdesimboKiladejo; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, ObaRasheed Ayotunde, Olabomi (JP) as well as Alagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Ogunwole.
Also presented were the representative of the Executive Secretary, the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris JibrilMaiyaki, Mrs. Rita Okonjo, two former chairperson of the institution, Ambassador John Jen Musa and Hon. IdiaOluyemisi Babalola.
The well-attended occasion was also witnessed by Hon. AbiolaMakinde; Acting Deputy Vice-chancellor, AFUED, Dr. Samuel Akintunde; Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede; Acting Librarian, Dr. Azino Akpokuriere and Acting Bursar, Mrs. Taiwo Adedoyin.
Other personalities who witnessed the occasion were Deans and Directors, Heads of Directorates, Divisions and Units, staff and Students of the University to mention but a few.
